PLK4 reflects extrathyroidal invasion, high tumor stage and poor prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the value of PLK4 as a biomarker in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

This study reviewed 230 PTC patients receiving surgical resections. PLK4 was detected in tumor tissues and samples of normal thyroid gland tissues by immunohistochemistry.

Results

PLK4 was elevated in tumor tissues versus normal thyroid gland tissues (p < 0.001). Tumor PLK4 was linked with extrathyroidal invasion (p = 0.036), higher pathological tumor stage (p = 0.030), node stage (p = 0.045) and tumor/node/metastasis stage (p = 0.022) in PTC patients. Tumor PLK4 immunohistochemistry score >3 was linked with shortened disease-free survival (p = 0.026) and overall survival (p = 0.028) and independently predicted poorer disease-free survival (hazard ratio: 2.797; p = 0.040).

Conclusion

Tumor PLK4 reflects extrathyroidal invasion, higher tumor stage and shortened survival in PTC.